Customs & Compliance Manager in Guildford
Customs & Compliance Manager

Customs & Compliance Manager in Guildford

Guildford Full-Time 65000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
WR Logistics

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage customs operations, ensuring compliance and driving efficiency.
  • Company: Established UK-based freight forwarding group with a dynamic environment.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy in role, and long-term career progression.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the customs function at a major Heathrow hub and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in customs operations and strong stakeholder management skills.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.

Location: London Heathrow (Office-Based / Hybrid Options Available)

Salary: £65,000 per annum

Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 - 19:00

About the Role

We are working with a well-established UK-based SME freight forwarding group who are looking to appoint an experienced Customs & Compliance Manager to take ownership of their customs function for their UK operation reporting into their London Heathrow branch. This is a key leadership role responsible for managing, developing, and continuously improving all customs operations across import and export activity within one of the company's core UK hubs. You will ensure full HMRC compliance while driving efficiency, accuracy, and commercial value across the customs function. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a blend of hands-on customs operations and strategic development, within a busy international freight environment at a major UK airfreight gateway.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the UK customs function.
  • Ensure full compliance with HMRC regulations and UK customs legislation.
  • Oversee customs declarations including CFSP, NCTS, customs warehousing, and duty regimes.
  • Maintain and develop AEO compliance standards and internal audit processes.
  • Act as the key point of contact for all customs-related queries and escalations at Heathrow.
  • Review, improve, and implement customs processes, SOPs, and control frameworks.
  • Liaise with HMRC, external authorities, airlines, and internal stakeholders.
  • Support customs strategy and regulatory compliance across airfreight operations.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive operational efficiencies.
  • Support systems integration and customs workflow improvements.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

  • Strong background in customs operations, compliance, or brokerage.
  • Experience within freight forwarding, 3PL, logistics, or airfreight environments.
  • Solid understanding of UK customs legislation and procedures.
  • Experience with AEO standards and audit compliance (highly desirable).
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, particularly within fast-paced operational environments.
  • Ability to lead a customs function and drive continuous improvement.

What's on Offer

  • Salary up to £65,000 per annum.
  • Senior role based at a major Heathrow freight hub.
  • Opportunity to lead and shape the customs function.
  • Strong SME environment with autonomy and visibility.
  • Long-term career progression within a growing logistics business.

Apply Now

If you are an experienced Customs & Compliance professional looking for a leadership role within a fast-paced Heathrow freight environment, we would love to hear from you.

Customs & Compliance Manager in Guildford employer: WR Logistics

Join a dynamic and well-established UK-based SME freight forwarding group as a Customs & Compliance Manager at the bustling London Heathrow hub. This role offers a unique blend of hands-on customs operations and strategic development, within a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and autonomy. With competitive salary offerings and long-term career progression opportunities, this is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the logistics sector.
WR Logistics

Contact Detail:

WR Logistics Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Customs & Compliance Manager in Guildford

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the customs and compliance field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK customs legislation and HMRC compliance. We recommend creating a list of common interview questions and practising your answers. Show them you’re the expert they need!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you, and tailor your approach to each company’s culture and mission.

✨Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in making you memorable. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and remind them why you’re the perfect fit for their customs function.

We think you need these skills to ace Customs & Compliance Manager in Guildford

Customs Operations Management
HMRC Compliance
UK Customs Legislation
AEO Compliance Standards
Customs Declarations (CFSP, NCTS)
Stakeholder Management
Process Improvement
SOP Development
Audit Compliance
Operational Efficiency
Systems Integration
Freight Forwarding Knowledge
Logistics Experience
Leadership Skills
Strategic Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Customs & Compliance Manager role. Highlight your experience in customs operations and compliance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive efficiency and accuracy.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your understanding of UK customs legislation and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a key leadership role, make sure to highlight your experience in managing teams and driving continuous improvement. Share specific examples of how you've led customs functions or improved processes in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you one step closer to joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at WR Logistics

✨Know Your Customs Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on UK customs legislation and procedures before the interview. Familiarise yourself with HMRC regulations and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about customs operations.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Customs & Compliance Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've managed teams or projects in the past, focusing on your ability to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiencies. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership capabilities.

✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions

Expect questions about how you've handled stakeholder relationships in fast-paced environments. Think of instances where you've liaised with HMRC, airlines, or internal teams. Be ready to explain your approach to managing these relationships and resolving any conflicts that arose.

✨Identify Cost-Saving Opportunities

The role involves identifying cost-saving opportunities, so come prepared with examples from your past experience. Discuss specific strategies you've implemented that led to savings or efficiencies in customs operations. This will show your potential employer that you can add commercial value to their business.

Customs & Compliance Manager in Guildford
WR Logistics
Location: Guildford

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